Spoilers from Episode 27 are included in the following discussion:
Safiye & Naci:
The difference between a sensationalized hero and an authentic one? The fake ones are perfect, beyond imagination; the real ones have flaws that are not overtly visible, but are hidden deep within. Such is the case with the gentle and poetic Naci. Despite expertly conveying to Ege that he was not to blame for his father’s death or pointedly advising Safiye to revive her young self once more, he was not able to overcome the fear that comes with willingly sharing and burdening his loved ones with his secret. Gulru, Inci and Han all discovered his illness on their own, not because he told them or wanted them to know. Being vulnerable with someone and loving someone is a two-way street, and his fear of burdening Safiye with his illness, trusting her to help him and love him as his body was dying, was too terrifying for him. Better that he die alone, and have her believe that he left her to care for his child. When she enters his hotel suite, while he is suffering an attack of paralysis, he was not afraid for her or what seeing him in such a state may do to her; rather, he was afraid for himself, not wanting to destroy the image that she had of him in her mind and replace it with his very real frailties. Just as she was horrified to let him see her trash apartment suite upstairs, believing that he would be disgusted by her ‘secret’, he was deeply afraid that his illness would destroy him in her eyes. Would that he could overcome his fears and talk to her about his condition. At least they could spend what time they have left, together?
Safiye showcased a lot of growth this episode; reflecting on her own relationship with her father, helping Inci to understand the impact that death has on hate, and walking to Naci’s hotel suite, on her own — she was her best self. Unfortunately, despite these moments of courage and wisdom, she was unable to discern why Naci was leaving and whether she could make him stay. Han’s interactions with her this episode were the absolute worst: after threatening to hurt Naci because Safiye slapped Inci, Han tells Safiye that he told Naci to leave and he listened to him because he didn’t love her —he didn’t love her enough to fight for her. Safiye has been through so much in her life: this doesn’t necessarily make her a likable person, but for her siblings she has tried, in her own way, to do right by them. It was a cruel route for Han to take. Why would Naci's death affect her so terribly? Death is a part of life and Safiye, having nursed Hasibe after her stroke, has the capability to care for someone. It seems it was not just to ‘protect’ Safiye that Han took this step; there is a very real jealousy that he feels for Naci, which makes him seem all the more petty and petulant. These past two episodes have made a bit of a villain out of Han. I’m glad the next episode will bring a psychologist/psychiatrist on screen. Such a character could not have been more welcome.
Esra & Esat:
Although I would have liked Esat to apologize to Esra for the way that he spoke to her at their last exchange, it likely wouldn’t have been feasible as she needed his help. After the shower incident, Esra has not been able to sleep, feeling very afraid of an intruder, but more particularly fearing Han, who all but confirmed that he had entered her home that night. Showing Esat the video of Han burning the mannequin, Esat was unconvinced that Han was actually terrorizing her, quickly making up excuses and explanations for his friend; but seeing that Esra was genuinely terrified, he stayed. This was a very important scene and although it is a smaller storyline, I am glad that it was followed up this episode because Han’s interactions have been truly creepy, and though Esra and Han united to find Inci, the underlying tension between them should not simply disappear.
Inci:
Following her father’s death, Inci suffers a breakdown of sorts. Having carried so much hatred for him for so many years, Safiye was absolutely on point in telling her that she was angry now because she had no one to focus all of that hatred upon. Who could she hate with such a passion now? Worse, reflecting on childhood memories with him, in addition to the hatred, she also carries the heavy emotion of guilt, as a part of her may wonder whether she was the cause of the abuse her mother suffered because she, as a precocious child, often ‘got caught in the middle’ of their life. These scenes were a necessary addition because they helped explain why she was so affected by her father’s death. Love and Hate are each powerful emotions and when the target of either is taken away, the result is a supreme feeling of loss. Safiye’s advise to Inci was timely and guided her towards Ege, helping her understand that while she may have no reprieve from her feelings, Ege’s grief over his father’s death could be soothed by her love and support.
Neriman & Ege:
The bright spot in this episode. While grieving over his father’s death, Neriman invites Ege outside to help him out of the house. He tries to tell her that his father’s words from the other day, telling her that he loved her, were inaccurate, but she quiets him. Gently, she grabs his hand, letting him know that she loves him too. It was a small touch and a sweet scene of possibility. Although, Gamze is still waiting for Ege, this was a big step for the previously oblivious Neriman to take. She is no longer the weak shell of herself that she once was: confidence is beginning to take root within her.
Gulben & Esat:
He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not … The game that so many of us have played with flower petals was played by Gulben this episode, albeit a bit differently. Shocked that Esat not only invited her to go out with him again, but also brought her a gift, so that she could pack her own food when she met up with him, she couldn’t figure out whether he was asking her as a friend, or if, possibly, he might feel something more for her. Happily, she continues to ponder what he may feel for her. Unfortunately, the merry internal dialogue came to an abrupt end when she saw Esat leaving Esra’s apartment suite the following morning. Rushing to accompany Safiye and Inci to stop Naci’s departure, Gulben hurriedly tries to join them, but stops when she hears voices in the hall. When she pauses and listens closely, she climbs a few steps and sees Esra hugging Esat, and thanking him for spending the night.
Absorbing the shock of such a scene, Gulben remembers their past encounters: when she pushed Esra into a glass window and packaged a mutilated doll for Esra. And then, to add a biting insult to injury, her feelings overcome her as she is standing on the steps, and she has an accident, with Esat standing just a few steps away from her and Esra watching the scene play out in horror. This was a terribly tragic end to the otherwise happy scenes that we have seen with Gulben over the past few episodes. She has truly overcome so many of the mental blocks that had prevented her from distinguishing fact from fiction, but her physical response to unease and fear is still the same. On the one hand, I am glad that all of her problems are now out in the open; on the other hand, this will make a potential pairing between Esat and Gulben very difficult. But the dire challenges that she faces within herself, make her struggle real, and her journey in overcoming these obstacles more endearing. I hope that her story will continue to be an inspiring tale about triumph over adversity.
Safiye & Inci:
What a lovely duo they make! A bit of understanding and compassion may help them develop a solid friendship. The birds on Inci’s sweater as she bid farewell to her father may foreshadow her upcoming role in Safiye’s life, as the birds appeared in her attire, as Naci wiped away the bird that he had drawn so lovingly on his window. Maybe Inci will be the person that helps Safiye move forward after Naci is gone.
